Under-threat middle school saved from closure
LDRSA school has been saved from closure and will expand its year groups to secure its future.
Monkseaton Middle School was one of several earmarked to shut as part of the North Tyneside Council's original plans in October 2025.
The local authority cited low birth rates, surplus places and the impact on school budgets as major contributing factors.
However, it has now been confirmed the school will stay open and year groups will expand from 5-8 to 5-11. Headteacher Kirsty Nichols-Mackay said: "As a school community, we are absolutely delighted by this decision."
A petition against the move got 1,200 signatures and more than £5,700 was raised to finance a campaign to save the school.
In November it was offered the opportunity to find alternative solutions and present them to the local authority for consideration, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
A council report in to the new proposals said that while the plans did not completely resolve the wider pupil number pressures, it would provide a "meaningful contribution" to the issue, and it was recommended for approval.
The report also said the move would turn around the school's projected deficit of £118k in year one, to a surplus of more than £230k by year three.
'Sustainable solution'
The school will introduce Year 9 in 2027, then Years 10 and 11.
Nichols-Mackay said: "Extending our age range allows us to continue meeting the needs of all our young people while strengthening the unique offer that makes Monkseaton Middle so special with a smaller setting offering high quality teaching and learning for all children.
"This change gives families real choice and enables pupils to remain in an inclusive environment right through to age 16."
It is hoped the phased plan will allow for gradual growth, a balanced Key Stage 4 curriculum, as well as enabling pupils to stay on until 16.
Councillor Steven Phillips, cabinet member for education, inclusion, employment and skills, said: "We're pleased that a positive and sustainable solution has been found.
"The governor‑led proposal keeps the school open, supports parental choice and gives pupils the option to stay in a smaller, inclusive setting through to GCSEs."
